Photographer's Note

LIGHT THROUGH THE TREES

Located on the border of the Northern (Union) States and Southern (Confederate) States, Fredericksburg, Virginia changed hands a total of seven times during battles of the Civil War (1861-65). The Confederate States were fighting to break off, to secede, from the Union, and the Union Troops were fighting to stop their secession. Most people who think about the event now  laymen and scholars alike  regard it as a national tragedy in which families were divided, brothers fighting against brothers. Abraham Lincoln, who hailed from the midwestern State of Illinois, was the President of the United States during those war years, and is now recognized as one of the 3-4 greatest Presidents, precisely because the North prevailed in the war, and the union was preserved.

On a bone-chilling week in December 1862, the Battle of Fredericksburg was fought, pitting over 100,000 Union and Confederate soldiers against each other. The hauntingly beautiful battlefield presents a poignant vision  of an area where thousands of young soldiers died.

My daily drive to work to teach my classes takes me through a 7-km stretch of the Fredericksburg Battlefield, with the trenches used by the Confederate troops running alongside the narrow meandering roadway. In the early morning rays from the rising sun filter through the trees, in this instance there was a thick fog just beyond the trees that dispersed the light and created a special glow. The time for this photo was 7:50 am on September 12, and I was rushing to make an 8:00 am class. I shot the image with a Nikon D-70;18-70-mm lens, uv-filter, tripod.

I would like to dedicate this to Henryk_bilor, who has produced some remarkable shots with low-lying fog, and the sun filtering through distant trees, for example in this image. Regards Henryk.

PS in revisiting this photo, I was listening to Bach's Toccata and Fugue(BWV 540) playing in the background. That is the music that has to accompany this photo.

This is one of the best shots of higly qualified photographers indeed. THe sunlight is superbly captured here. Very nice light. Great effects. Just love it. Tell you what, I have always tried to find this kind of place, but no luck so far. You got it.

...well, first off, my daily drive takes me 50 miles down the PA turnpike where I have to get off at King of Prussia, which means I sit for 45 minutes to pay a toll of $2.25 to use the worst road in the US, which puts me on route 202 for another 20 minutes, if I'm lucky...

So, right now I envy you for seeing such scenery on the way to work...

As for the photo. Perfect timing and lighting. The streams of light coming through the trees, catching the morning mist looks simply fantastic. Your composition, catching the edge of the road, yet not putting the whole road in the picture, is very nice looking. Color and detail is equally as good. It looks like a well thought out photo, yet captures a fleeting moment on the way to work. The small things in life, that's what matters. Plus, an 8:00 AM class, but I have a feeling the class wasn't going to start without you anyway.

Great work,
John

...and I also like the framing with the green coloring, complimenting the photo very nicely, yet not overpowerig it.

Bulent I love the lighting through the trees like this. Wonderful capture here. I am sure that during the Civil War that there were many soldiers who saw this same sight, and I wonder if they thought about why it is that they were killing their fellow Americans..for the sake of the union. Good shot Bulent and penetrating thoughts of American history.

Hello, Master Bulent,
Very nice idea to show the sunlight streaming through the trees'branches and trunks. You've chosen a very appropriate angle to show it.
I can imagine the dieing or wounded soldiers' moans and horses' hoofing in this scenery, though now it looks more peaceful and doesn't imly blood-thirsty ideas.
Nice Sunday
TFS
Valerka:)

Hello Bulent,
a good capture of the breaking light and a nice choice of point of view to focus on the artistic aspect of this photo, which consists of the interplay between light and shadows underneath the tall trees, giving an overall beautiful natural impression and a fascinating atmosphere. Lights are fine and particular.
Warm Regards dear Professor.
Stella

Oh, my word, Bulent,
this is one of those magical shots. I love the way the light comes in from the side. That is such a nice diagonal line to carry the eyes into the shot. I love, too, the way you have caught those rays. Beautifully done,
Shelly

Merhaba Bulent,
I remember the trenches well from my visit back in 1989. Here you offer us a dramatic scenery with the thick fog behind the trees and the first rays of the sun breaking through. I hope you weren't late for class. Regards,
Hakan

Hello Bulent,
A forest in backlight is one of my favourite subjects, unfortunaterly I haven't managed to capture any good ones myself yet so I have to admire others!
This one is superb as the light is filtered through the branches, giving this fine beam like effect...
A well composed image with good lines!
Greetings,
Pablo -

Merhaba Dear Professor,
This image makes me gape with awe!
Souch a soulful image! Full of light, feelings and dignity. I wish i were there right now...
A very beautiful one in your nice gallery...
TFS,
Deniz

Hi Bulent. It is a haunting reminder of the millions of youth that have died everywhere over millennia , like lambs to the slaughter, sometimes for the sake of expediency, pride, a line in the sand.You wonderful photo has made us pause and reflect at the folly of men. Most evocative. Selamlar. Klaudio.

Selam sevgili Bülent,
A capture as if painted by a medieval duthc master !
Very nice compo and great light management. With your permission I've added it to my favorites (which I do not do too often). Congratulations and TFS
have a nice weekend
MESUT ILGIM

Hello Bullent:))))))
This is a masterpiece during your other masterpieces.
The light and rays of the sun are incredibly well visible and make a great, great mood.
It attracts the eyes a lot.
The light and tones are fantastic.
All the best to You,
Agnieszka

hello bulent,
i find games of light amazing and am constantly stopping to admire them whenever i get the chance. the way the light rays fall between leaves is magic here - very fairy tale like :) - well seen and thank you,
dora :)

This is one of those gorgeous dream-like scenes that we just have to take advantage of when we get the chance. Fortunately you had your camera with you on your way to work. The atmosphere you have captured is wonderful with the glorious sunbeams, the shadows and the almost-silhouetted trees. I hope you didn't keep your students waiting too long.
Kath

Hi Bulent,
This is a textbook example of making the most of lighting where the tones and hues are limited. The result is splendid, with fine shadows, golden grass, and filtered rays of the sun. The slice of road seen on the right is illuminated just enough to take the eye and heart far into the frame, intersecting with the filtered rays. I like this shot very much. I also envy you your drive each morning, as this is a great part of the continent. Cheers.
John

A superb job as always. A very evocative use of sun streamers and shadows. It also reminds me how different the forests are on the east and west coasts (I grew up in the east).

Civil wars are among the worst of wars; only religious wars can compare - something we should remember in our dealings with Iraq, which is going through both. Lincoln is the greatest of presidents not just because he was able to get the North to prevail, but because he set conditions for the South to be reunited as a full partner in the union. It is a supreme irony that Booth, who assassinated Lincoln in revenge for the South, removed the one man who might have been capable of healing the wounds of the war. And while even Lincoln might have found that task too much, the lesser men who succeeded him did not even try (except for Johnson in some ways, but he could not stand against the Radicals). We have been paying for over a century for that shot in Ford's Theater. The light in these trees at Fredicksburg is, to my mind, as much a memorial to that failure as it is to the battle that took place there.

Hej Bulent,
This is a beautiful view of the early morning sunbeams breaking through the fog and the trees along the side of the road. It creates a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere in an area that once was the site for a battle. Very well captured and thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Lars

Hi Bulent,
Marvelous haunting image of the sun light streaming through the the morning mist and tall trees lining this famous roadway. Lovely green colors and very sharp details to this stunning photo. Excellent note about the tragic war.
Regards, Tom

Hello Bulent,
I am very impressed by this picture for obvious reasons, magnificent landscape, morning light filtering through the branches in the early morning light, the diagonal that makes the backbone of the picture, the light green tones, but moreover I am impressed by the deep knowledge which accompanies the image, and the time you spend in order to forward it to us TE members.
You are really a great scholar, and I appreciate every word in it.
I wish you a very good week.
Thanks for reporting me about the Turkish visitors from TV8 and Zaman.

Fog and sun beams are always a very nice subject for take a picture, this image give a wonderful atmosphere, typical for the autumn.
I like this beautiful image simple, but a very great pleasure for looking.
Very well done. Thanks for sharing.

Bulent,
This definitely does not look like my commute to teach my classes! A drive like this would probably be good for the blood pressure, not like my drive. The scenery here is outstanding and you captured it at just the right moment with the fog and the rays of the sun streaking through the trees. Your composition is great using the tree line to form a diagonal through the photo and using the roadway to lead the eye through the shot. The lighting and colors are great with nice sharpness and DOF.
TFS,
Asa

Nice work, Bulent. I have seen light like this sometimes, and always wondered if it would turn out. Shame on me for not stopping and trying. You've not only tried, you've succeed very well here. Good eye to spot it, and a great job recording it. Wonderful capture!
Mike

Hello Professor
Is this the same place where you took your photo 'BATTLEFIELD TRENCHES'? Remarkable effect of the light filtering through the trees. This type of capture appaelas to me a lot, but I am not able to get a proper site where the row of trees would provide such an effect...so I enjoy this, thoroughly! Excellent shot & a very apt dedication to Henryk, who I call the 'master of light'.
With Warmest Regards
Angshuman

The Civil War Battlefields are interesting places both historically and photographically. I wish I have been able to spend some time in the battlefields as every time I visit one it is always on a short trip to Washington. I believe you have done justice to the history and the landscape of this battlefield with this image. The early morning light and the dissipating fog makes for an eerie image. I can just imagine what the soldiers were thinking and feeling on that fateful morning.

I remember visiting Shiloh NBP in the spring when the peach trees still had their blossoms in bloom. Walking along the sunken road and looking from behind the canons was really eerie, almost creepy, but every time I think about it it sends chills up my spine. The battle of Shiloh was held in the spring and the peach blossoms were in bloom according to the historical accounts. The same eerie feeling comes across me when I think about Antietam Creek in southern Maryland.

Hello Bülent,
How did I miss this one?...
It's gorgeous! Like a beautiful painting...
Those morning light rays passing though the trees, the almost monochrome green, the haze... It's like magic. I am amazed how you manage such level of inspiration so early in the morning before going to work.
Cheers, José.

ah Bulent my friend, nice to see you back after my short break,
the shot is good, the atmosphere is very goiod and the shining is well captured, good light and very good pov, a compliment for the painters eyes here, well done, have a fine day.
gr. jaap

Hi Bulent,
Your info about this historical place is, as always, of great educational value.
But when I saw the picture I thought in the first place at the landscape painters of our Golden Age.
Groet Rob

Hi Bulent. I hope you are proud of this one because it is spectacular!! I've never have seen anything that compares to what you have captured here and knowing my luck I probably wouldnt have a camera with me if I did! I love how you so delicately captured the softness of the moment with a painterly feeling. I think if you were late if you showed the class they would understand! ;) Have a great weekend Bulent.

Hi Bulent,
The subdued lighting filtered by the fog and the soft shadows creates a fantastic morning atmosphere. Well seen and captured brilliantly. Well composed and good image quality. Well done! tfs and have a nice weekend.
Cheers,
Renier

It's beautiful, Bulent, one of your best! You were there at the right time, you saw that and took full advantage. The eternally-peaceful feel of the sunbeams and shadows brings to mind the sacrifices made by the soldiers there. It's nicely composed, too. Regards, Ken.

Oh, so this is a place of one of the bloodiest battles in USA Civil war. I read about it, it was kind of forewarning before the WW I, but no one in Europe cared to listen to it.
Well. As for the photo - it's an artwork and masterpiece, just this. Excellent!

To be 'just in time' must be the key word for this compo Bulent. A well made and well disposed detail of this fine landscape. The diagonal made be the trees adds structure and interest to the compo. Well spotted, delightful morning detail

Wow, most amazing image, Bulent. The beams of light passing through the tress really created a magical atmosphere. Besides, I have the sense that you desaturated a bit the image, which resulted surpisingly well - it's almost a sepia version, but in green tones. Congratulations for this superb work.
Um abraço,
ricardo

Hello Bulent,
really this is a magical atmosphere that is created by the beams of the sun that penetrate the line of trees.I understand your rushing for the upload of this impressive capture.Really is so marvellous that i can say that is faultless.Very informative your note too.Congratulations.

Hello Prof,
New to your gallery,and completely lost in the beauty!!!!Its an amazing collection of wonderful photographs!!This in particular has a kind of adictive power in it!!The light thru the trees leaves one mesmerised!!
More than the shot I respect the eyes that saw this view and the the soul that perceived the beauty and the heart that composed the shot!!!
Incredible !!!!!!
Regards,
Sagarneel.

Bulent,
it is certainly a great pleasure to get into your galery and go from one wonderful image to the next. Finally I got stuck on this one and I think that your intention to celebrate Henryk's fog impressions are quite appropriate. Lovely composition with the diagonally placed trees and the sunlight breaking through them with tracing of the sunrays with the thin fog.
Regards, Peter

Hi Bulent, A wonderfully composed photo, the light is excellent, the rays coming through the trees looks superb, your framing is perfect for the shade of green, well created depth & TFS, kind regards Wilson.

Hi Bulent,
What a surpring view! I like the sun rays filtering through the trees and the "morning" colours...I can also smell the fresh air and hear the troops walking alongside the road...
Very very nice! Bravo!
Greetings from Italy.
Ciao, Cristian

My first critique ever so it may be a little clumsy. With that said I loved the shot for a variety of reasons. First was the overall emotional impact of just seeing it, the light captured by the sparse lingering fog, the sense of direction and movement as well as the peaceful tone in a once embattled place.

What could I add that haven't been already written.
All is perfect. The mood is amazing. The light gives such a smooth atmosphere.
And you have framed this masterpiece so nicely, with exactly the good color.
Thanks a lot for sharing.

I think that everything was said with so much success for this photo. It is true that the management of the light is magnificent here and confers a poetic side in the place. The point of view is chosen as well.
Beautiful work always accompanied with a very interesting note. Thank you Bülent.

Hello Bulent,
This is a beautiful picturesque image. The softness of the light is beyond delicate. Just beautiful.
Btw, I bought your book a while ago and started reading. I never got your email signature;)

Hi, Bulent,
Beautiful and pretty composition. One capture that besides showing the beauty also presents the excellent knowledge technician to elaborate this photograph with admirables lights effects. Well done. Best Regards, Consuelo

See you couldn't help but stop and admire this vision in front of you. Nice to capture it on "film" too. Tripod never fails. The historical significance of the scene makes your low-lying fog all the more poignant. Excellent choice.
Regards,
Kathy

it's been a long time my friend but I'm delighted at your success during my absence. None more so than this fine image. I don't think I can add any further comments to what's already been said apart from, it's a superb capture and very well done.

Bullant, a remarkable image, not so much for what it is but for what it conjures. It takes no leap of imagination to hear the rustle of the uniforms and the clanking of the weapons and accouterments as they men take or move positions among the trees. Great capture.

Hello Bulent
This nice lights misty composition deserves her success.
I can also imagine some classic music sound.
I appreciate your work.
I am the 1292 one to write you for this artistic picture but the first one to dare to post a WS, please don't take it as a correction; it's just my point of view.
Bests regards.

Merhaba
Great shot, This is a picturesque and very impressive shot, composition is perfect, I like the idyllic and peaceful atmosphere. Beautiful work, Congratulations. Have a nice day.
SASO
Regards from Bitola (Monastiri)

I like these light through the trees photos you have posted Bulent and judging by the marks I am not the only one. Really nice look with the shafts of light giving a dreamy effect. Thanks for your notes and links to other shots.
best regards
Mark

I have looked through your gallery and have to admit that this is one of the most interesting photos I found there. Lighting is superb, I shouldn't even mention the colors, contrast and sharpness. What I like most, however, is your choice of exposure in the left part of the shot. I found your note and especially its last part - Bach's Toccata and Fugue - very unusual and pleasing.

I wish you all the best, more great shots to take and certainly more new places to visit, although it seems that your TE map is already almost yellow :)

Man!!!
again "simplicity" is the keyword here...
this is a strong composition with the minimal element in it and the fantastic light which is aptly captured with the correct exposure :)
well done, & kudos to you

Hi Bulent,
These "God rays", as I like to call them, are hard to find and unpredictable in nature, but to capture them like this being filtered through this row of trees in this great battlefield is fabulous! It is almost like God is blessing all of the brave soldiers who fell here with this mystical lighting. You must have gotten the shivers when you were posting this fabulous image while you were listening to Bach's organ music! A wounderful image and a wonderful testament to the bravery of all of the men who fell at this tragic battle. You are a true scholar and mystic!
Stan

Hello Bulent,
The soft rays of morning sunlight streaming through the trees and the long shadows raking across the grass and road reveal fantastic texture. You captured the mood of a fresh new day beginning. Your work is very impressive; the picute perfectly beautiful.
bj

Hello Bulent
How are you? I haven't seen you around for a while. What a gorgeous shot with the rays appearing through the trees. I like the washed out effect in the trees against the darker right hand side. Will you be visiting here again sometime soon now the weather will be turning shortly to the more colder climates? Excellent work.
Regards
Jim

First of all, I'd like to thank you for your kind comment on my photo. Everytime somebody notices my photo and write a comment or critique on it, I am happy, because that means that I have succeeded in my intention of sharing piece of my life with someone else.

When you mentioned we have some things in commom, like the word 'ghost' in the photo title and that we are both in academics (I am law student and soon to be history and geography student as well), I became curious and I needed to go to your TE page, read your intro and take a look at your photos. I am truly impressed with everything I have discovered.

There is certain magic in this image. Lovely slant of sun rays and perfectly exposed. Perhaps a couple of minutes earlier you could have got more slant and golden tinge of the rising sun, but this is only wishful. The image as is, is excellent.

Hi Batalay ,fantastic this photo with the diagonal rays that "cut" the branches of trees in a foggy day and difficult to photograph. Very beautiful and unusual colors. A really good job. Thanks for the post, Greetings & regards ... Marino

In my opinion this photo is a great example of how relatively simple means (a row of trees and some mist in the air) combined with a skilled eye can lead to a beautiful, painterly-like image. The only thing that doesn't "work" for me here is the relatively abrupt change of color in the sky from cyan to blown-out white, but that's just a minor glitch. Congratulations on a great capture!